PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Portugal”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Nosema portugal, N. SP., isolated from gypsy moths (Lymantria dispar L.) collected in portugal

A microsporidium Nosema portugal n. sp. was isolated from gypsy moths, Lymantria dispar L, collected near Lisbon, Portugal, in 1985. The life cycle includes two sequential developmental cycles, a primary and a secondary cycle. The primary cycle occurs in midgut epithelial cells, where primary spores are produced within 48 h. The primary spores immediately extrude their polar filaments, presumably to infect other cells. In the target tissues (salivary glands and fat body) the secondary development cycle is followed by the formation of environmental spores. Primary spores were also sometimes present in target tissues. Fresh unfixed and unstained primary spores have a large posterior vacuole and measured 4.8 x 2.7 &mgr;m. Ultrastructurally, they have 5-8 polar filament coils, a large posterior vacuole, abundant endoplasmic reticulum, and were binucleate. Mature unfixed and unstained environmental spores were highly refractive and the posterior vacuole and nuclei could not be seen through the spore coat. Fresh environmental spores measured 4.5 x 1.9 &mgr;m. Ultrastructurally, environmental spores were binucleate, with a typical polaroplast, 10-11 isofilar polar filament coils, and a series of 4-6 thin polar filament-like tubules situated at the posterior end of the row of typical polar filament coils. The ssu rRNA sequences strongly suggest that this species is more closely related to the Vairimorpha subgroup within the Nosema/Vairimorpha clade than to the Nosema subgroup. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1984

[Phlebotomus of Portugal. I--Natural infestation of Phlebotomus ariasi Tonnoir, 1921 and Phlebotomus perniciosus Newstead, 1911, by Leishmania in the zoonotic focus of Arrábida (Portugal)].

The author presents the results of a sandfly survey carried out in the zoonotic focus of Arrábida for search of kala-azar vectors. The total of 195 dissected females belonged to the species Sergentomyia (S.) minuta. Phlebotomus (L.) ariasi and Phlebotomus (L.) perniciosus. Only the last two species were found parasitized by Leishmania promastigotes: 2 females of P. ariasi (4.88%) and 3 females of P. perniciosus (2.01%). This is the first finding of natural infection of P. ariasi in Portugal.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

A comparative study on breech deliveries attended in 1992: hospital centers from Latin America versus Spain and Portugal.

OBJECTIVES: The first aim of this study was to compare the incidence and management of breech deliveries, as well as perinatal mortality rates, in centers from Latin America versus Spain and Portugal in Europe. A second aim of this study was to analyse the correlation between the rates of c-sections and perinatal mortality. METHODS: Data from 287 313 deliveries, 8,764 of which were singleton breech deliveries attended in 1992 in 30 centers from Latin America and 44 centers from Spain and Portugal, were provided by the doctors in charge of the obstetric services and analysed using a computer statistical package (R-sigma, Horus Hardware). RESULTS: The incidence of breech deliveries was lower in centers from Latin America than in Spain and Portugal, 2.6% vs. 3.7%, respectively, but the percentage of preterm breech deliveries was higher in the former (23% vs. 17%; P < 0.001). In the total number of deliveries, c-sections were performed more frequently in Latin America, but the perinatal mortality rates were triple those in Spain and Portugal. In breech presentations from both geographical areas nearly 70% of c-sections were performed. However, the perinatal mortality rates in breech presentations were more than twice those of the total number of deliveries in Latin America, and more than three times in Spain and Portugal. There was no correlation between percentage of c-sections and perinatal mortality rates in the different centers in Spain and Portugal, but this correlation was significantly negative in both all and breech deliveries from centers in Latin America. Breech deliveries were more frequently monitored and attended by a specialist in Spain and Portugal. CONCLUSIONS: Preterm deliveries, c-sections and perinatal mortality were more frequent, and the correlation between these two latter rates was significantly negative for both all and breech deliveries in Latin America. As long as basic health care is still an issue in certain countries, it seems that a high rate of c-sections could prevent or reduce perinatal mortality. Yet, in countries with better health care standards, there is probably no need to perform c-section in most breech presentations.

Breech Presentation↗
PubMed2006

Birth weights of black African babies of migrant and nonmigrant mothers compared with those of babies of European mothers in Portugal.

PURPOSE: The study aim is to investigate differences in birth weights between babies of foreign-born black African, Portugal-born black African, and Portugal-born white mothers. METHODS: Hospital records for Amadora and Sintra from July 2001 to June 2002 were collated and 2949 Portugal-born white, 461 Portugal-born black African, and 817 foreign-born black African live singleton babies were identified. The impact of biologic and social factors (infant sex, maternal age, parity, gestational age, and maternal smoking, education, and occupational class) and mode of delivery on birth weights was assessed by using multivariable regression models. RESULTS: African mothers were more likely to be of lower socioeconomic status than white Portuguese mothers, among whom rates of smoking were two to three times greater (21% among white Portuguese mothers). Small preterm babies comprised 1.5% of white Portuguese babies, 2.3% of babies of Portugal-born African mothers, and 3.9% of babies of foreign-born African mothers (p < 0.05 compared with white Portuguese babies). Compared with white Portuguese babies, mean birth weight of term babies, adjusted for sex, among Portugal-born African mothers was -24.6 g (95% confidence interval, -70.1-20.9), and among foreign-born African mothers, was +38.8 g (95% confidence interval, 2.9-74.8). Adjustment for parity, maternal age, and gestational age decreased the significant birth weight advantage of babies of foreign-born African mothers to +2.3 g (95% confidence interval, -31.9-36.5). Among nonsmokers, after adjusting for these factors, white Portuguese babies were heavier (40 g; p < 0.05) than babies of foreign-born African mothers, but among smokers, they were lighter (163 g; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with white Portuguese babies, mean birth weight of term babies of foreign-born African mothers was greater, and that of babies of Portugal-born African mothers was intermediate. These differences were related to a combination of biologic factors and smoking.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Lignans and isoflavonoids in plasma and prostatic fluid in men: samples from Portugal, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND: Chinese men have lower incidences of prostate cancer compared to men from Europe and North America. Asians consume large quantities of soya, a rich source of isoflavanoids phyto-oestrogens and have high plasma and urinary levels of these compounds. The mammalian lignans, enterolactone and enterodiol, are another group of weak plant oestrogens and are derived from seeds, cereals and grains. Vegetarians have high plasma and urinary concentrations of lignans. METHODS: The concentrations lignans and isoflavonic phyto-oestrogens were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in plasma and prostatic fluid from Portuguese, Chinese and British men consuming their traditional diets. RESULTS: In prostatic fluid the mean concentrations of enterolactone were 31, 162 and 20.3 ng/ml for Hong Kong, Portugal and Britain respectively. Very high levels of enterolactone (> 600 ng/ml) were observed in the prostatic fluid of some of the men from Portugal. High concentrations of equol (3270 ng/ml) and daidzein (532 ng/ml) were found in a sample of prostatic fluid from Hong Kong. Higher mean levels of daidzein were observed in prostatic fluid from Hong Kong at 70 ng/ml, compared to 4.6 and 11.3 ng/ml in samples from Portugal and Britain respectively. Mean levels of daidzein were higher in the plasma samples from Hong Kong (31.3 ng/ml) compared to those from Portugal (1.3 ng/ml) and Britain (8.2 ng/ml). In general, the mean plasma concentrations of enterolactone from the three centres were similar, at 6.2, 3.9 and 3.9 ng/ml in samples from Hong Kong Portugal and Britain respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Higher concentrations of the isoflavanoid phyto-oestrogens, daidzein and equol, were found in the plasma and prostatic fluid of men from Hong Kong compared to those from Britain and Portugal. However, the levels of the lignan, enterolactone, were very much higher in prostatic fluid of Portuguese men. Isoflavanoids and lignans have many interesting properties and may, in part, be responsible for lower incidences of prostate cancer in men from Asia and also some Mediterranean countries. The isoflavanoids from soya, which are present in high concentrations in the prostatic fluid of Asian men, may be protective against prostate disease.

4-Butyrolactone↗
PubMed2005

HLA genes in Portugal inferred from sequence-based typing: in the crossroad between Europe and Africa.

The human leukocyte antigen-A (HLA-A), -B and -DRB1 polymorphism was examined in the Portuguese population, discriminating between North, Centre and South inhabitants. All data were obtained at high-resolution level, using sequence-based typing. The most frequent allele at each locus was A* 020101 (26%), B* 440301 and B* 510101 (12% each) and DRB1* 070101 (15%). The predominant three-locus haplotype was A*020101-B*440301-DRB1*070101 (3.1%), highly frequent in North Portugal (5.4%), lower in Centre (2%) and absent in the South. The present study demonstrates that the Portuguese population has been genetically influenced by Europeans and North Africans, via several historic immigrations. North Portugal seems to concentrate, probably due to the pressure of Arab expansion, an ancient genetic pool originated from several North Africans and Europeans, influences throughout millenniums. South Portugal shows a North African genetic influence, probably of recent origin by means of Berbers accompanying Arab expansion. We found that Centre Portugal is the distribution limit of some alleles and haplotypes that characterize the North or the South of the country. Despite North, Centre and South Portugal not being significantly different in allele frequencies, this study shows that HLA allele and haplotype frequencies are not homogeneous in the country. North and South Portugal show more similarity to North Africans in opposition to Centre which appears closer to Europeans.

Africa↗
PubMed1994

[The evolution of mortality from ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular diseases in Portugal in the decade of the 80s].

By late 70's, Portugal had one of the lowest IHD mortality rates amongst developed countries, with a declining trend. As for CVD, Portugal's figures were one of the highest, and showing a trend to increase. In what concerns to our country, by early 80's there were some data showing important regional variations concerning IHD and CVD mortality. So, the aims of this study were to analyse the evolution of IHD and CVD mortality rates in Portugal during the 80's and its possible relations with known risk factors evolution and distribution. The study also observed regional variations and regional mortality excesses, and international comparisons were established. During the studied decade, CVD and IHD were the leading causes of death in Portugal, with a ratio of 2.7/l respectively. There was a 24% decrease in CVD death rates, and 11% for IHD, equal for male and female. We found important differences amongst age groups: CVD predominates in extreme ages (the youngest and the oldest), whereas IHD predominates only in men 25-54 years old. We also found striking differences between provinces: in the northern coast CVD predominates, whereas in the South and Azores islands IHD leads. At the end of the decade, CVD mortality rates in Portugal where the highest in Europe; on the contrary, IHD mortality was the second lowest, just after France. This pattern is similar to the southern countries of Europe and Japan. Trends in the main cardiovascular risk factors in Portugal during the 80s are an incomplete explanation for this evolution pattern, although the authors value the suggested decrease in arterial hypertension prevalence as the main factor responsible for the observed reduction in IHD and CVD mortality in the country.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Bioaccumulation of elements in bryophytes from Serra da Estrela, Portugal, and Veluwezoom, the Netherlands.

BACKGROUND, AIMS AND SCOPE: Pollution by heavy metals over large areas and long periods of time may cause chronic damage to living organisms and must be carefully controlled. One way to determine the extent of environmental contamination is by measuring the levels of contaminants in plants. The use of mosses as biomonitors is a convenient method to determine levels of (atmospheric) deposition, as terrestrial mosses obtain most of their supply of mineral elements from precipitation and dry deposition of airborne particles. Mosses have therefore received increasing attention as a suitable tool for monitoring regional patterns of elemental deposition from the atmosphere in large-scale studies in various countries, in areas close to industrial installations as well as in areas not expected to be contaminated. Although this technique is widely known, ecological studies of this type have rarely been done in Portugal. The aim of this paper is to evaluate and compare the spatial distribution of heavy metals in Hypnum cupressiforme, Pleurozium schreberi, Dicranum scoparium and Polytrichum piliferum collected from the Serra da Estrela natural park in Portugal and in the Veluwezoom natural park in the Netherlands. The selected species are the most widely used bryophytes for biomonitoring in the boreal region. The popularity of these species for this purpose is due to their wide ecological amplitude and distribution. METHODS: At 54 sampling sites in both nature parks, samples of Hypnum cupressiforme, Pleurozium schreberi, Dicranum scoparium and Polytrichum piliferum were collected. Plant digests were analysed for Al, Ba, Ca, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, Sr, V, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd, N and P. Differentiations between sampling sites in terms of concentrations of elements in mosses were evaluated by ANOVA and the least significant difference was calculated. The normality of the analysed features was checked with the chi square test. After standardization, the matrix of 54 samples and 10 heavy metals was subjected to numerical classification to detect groups of samples with similar patterns of metal concentrations. The clustering algorithm was prepared with Ward's method, and the City Block Manhattan method was used for the similarity measure. Metals and samples were also subjected to ordination to reveal possible gradients of heavy metal levels, using PCA. Correlations were calculated between concentrations of metals and factors 1 and 2, allowing the dependence between the concentration of metals and factors (factor loading) to be estimated. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: All species examined in both areas contained elevated levels of Mn and Pb. For each particular species, concentrations of N, P and Pb were significantly higher at Serra da Estrela, while concentrations of Cu were significantly higher at the Veluwezoom. Mosses from Portugal and the Netherlands differed significantly mainly in the concentrations of Al, Ba, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and V. This differentiation did not exceed that within the mosses from Portugal. CONCLUSIONS: Mosses from Portugal and the Netherlands differ significantly mainly in the concentrations of Al, Ba, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and V. This differentiation does not exceed the differentiation within the mosses from Portugal. RECOMMENDATION AND OUTLOOK: Further research is required into the origin and deposition of the polluting elements in other environmental compartments.

Bryophyta↗
PubMed2006

Distribution of Cryptosporidium subtypes in humans and domestic and wild ruminants in Portugal.

To investigate the transmission of cryptosporidiosis in Portugal, Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum from HIV-infected patients, cattle, and wild ruminants were characterized by sequence analysis of the 60-kDa glycoprotein (GP60) gene. Fourteen subtypes within nine subtype families were identified, and three of the subtype families (If, IIb, and IId) were restricted or largely limited to Portugal. Parasites from cattle from various regions in Portugal and wild ruminants in Lisbon showed limited genetic heterogeneity (only two subtype families). All wild ruminants had the same subtype, which was also the predominant subtype in cattle all over Portugal and was found in nine HIV-infected patients in Lisbon. Two other C. parvum subtypes were only restricted to limited locations. In contrast, human parasites displayed 13 subtypes in nine subtype families, with most of the infections caused by parasites in Ib, IIa, IIc, and IId families. Two of the C. parvum subtype families (IIc and IIb) had only been found in humans. The high overall parasite diversity and high percentage of C. hominis infections attributable to Ib and C. parvum infections to IId represent unique characteristics of Cryptosporidium transmission in humans in Portugal.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Cancer incidence and mortality in Portugal.

In this paper, we present estimates of national cancer incidence in Portugal in 1996-1998, predictions for the year 2000, and interpret the recent cancer mortality trends in light of observations from epidemiological research and risk factor patterns. In Portugal, national mortality data from vital statistics are available from 1960, while cancer registration has been mandatory since 1988, when three regional cancer registries covering the mainland of the Portuguese Republic were set up. Up until now, however, none of these registries has been able to produce data with an acceptable completeness of registration--hence this study. Mortality data from Portugal for 1996-1998 and incidence data for 1990-1995 from Vila Nova de Gaia (RVNG) (the most complete of the Portuguese cancer registries), 14 Italian registries and nine Spanish registries were assembled to produce the best possible estimates of numbers of incident cases for each age group and gender. A total of 19,880 new cancer cases are estimated to have been diagnosed among men in the year 2000, and nearly 17,000 new cancer cases in women. The most common cancer among Portuguese men in 2000 is cancer of the colorectum (3173 new cases), followed by cancers of the prostate (2973), lung (2611), stomach (2206) and urinary bladder (1360). In women, breast cancer is the most common cancer (4358) followed by cancers of the colorectum (2541), stomach (1494) and corpus uteri (1083). The overall age-standardised cancer mortality rate for men in Portugal increased steeply (1.4% annually) during the period 1988-1998, with prostate cancer (3.6% annually), colon and rectum (3.3%) and lung (2.4%) mostly contributing. Among women, the overall cancer mortality rate was stable (a non-significant decrease of approximately 0.2% per year). These remarkable results, particularly in males, demonstrate the need for a comprehensive national programme against cancer. Since the increasing epidemic of lung cancer (in men), as well as other tobacco-related cancers, is observed in Portugal, the important component of such a programme should be a nationwide tobacco control programme. Improving accessibility to highly effective diagnostic and treatment procedures for cancer in general and colorectal and prostatic cancers in particular should be a priority in the fight against cancer.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Lyme borreliosis spirochetes in questing ticks from mainland Portugal.

In Portugal, Ixodes ricinus ticks have been shown to contain DNA of several spirochetes belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, with major differences in the genetic diversity between ecozones. Some isolates have been obtained since 1999, confirming the circulation of pathogenic strains in these ticks. Ixodes ricinus is considered to be a widespread species, however, in Portugal it is found only in a few habitats. Here we present preliminary results from a nationwide survey of questing I. ricinus (n = 4,001) and other Ixodidae (n = 1,534) in Portugal, initiated in 2001. The sampling points (so far 41) were selected using a Geographic Information System, according to the type of vegetation, accessibility and prevalence of human cases. The spatial and temporal of tick abundance and the infection of B. burgdorferi sensu lato in ticks were determined in selected areas. Ticks were examined for the presence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato by culturing (719 out of 4,001 I. ricinus), and direct PCR amplification of the 5S-23S intergenic spacer region (1,870 out of 5,535) followed by RFLP analysis, the reverse line blot assay and nucleotide sequencing of PCR amplicons. The most abundant tick genus was Rhipicephalus (53%), followed by Dermacentor (34%), I. ricinus and Hyalomma (7%, each). The Mafra and Grândola sites, where a more intensive study was carried out, were excellent habitats for I. ricinus. However, a clear difference of the prevalence of Borrelia infection and the genetic diversity of circulating spirochetes was observed in these two sites. Genotyping of all I. ricinus isolates revealed 5 B. garinii, 8 B. lusitaniae and 1 B. valaisiana strains, which were obtained for the first time in these regions along with a considerable percentage of tick-derived PCR amplicons. Two hard-tick species other than I. ricinus in Grândola were also B. lusitaniae positive, thus seeming to take part in the transmission cycle of Borrelia. The seasonal dynamics of I. ricinus in Mafra was bimodal, more pronounced in nymphs than in adults. The present findings indicate that B. burgdorferi sensu lato agents are differentially maintained in nature in local tick populations in different geographic areas across Portugal and that the risk of acquiring Lyme borreliosis in certain areas of Portugal is higher than previously assumed.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Association of socioeconomic position with insulin resistance among children from Denmark, Estonia, and Portugal: cross sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between socioeconomic position and insulin resistance in children from three countries in northern Europe (Denmark), eastern Europe (Estonia), and southern Europe (Portugal) that have different physical, economic, and cultural environments. DESIGN: Cross sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: 3189 randomly selected schoolchildren aged 9 and 15 years from Denmark (n = 933), Estonia (n = 1103), and Portugal (n = 1153). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Insulin resistance (homoeostasis model assessment). RESULTS: Family income and parental education were inversely associated with insulin resistance in Danish children but were positively associated with insulin resistance in Estonian and Portuguese children. Among Danish children, insulin resistance was 24% lower (95% confidence interval -38% to -10%) in those whose fathers had the most education compared with those with the least education. The equivalent results were 15% (2% to 28%) higher for Estonia and 19% (2% to 36%) higher for Portugal. These associations remained after adjustment for a range of covariates: -20% (-36% to -5%) for Denmark, 10% (-4% to 24%) for Estonia, and 18% (-1% to 31%) for Portugal. Strong statistical evidence supported differences between the associations in Denmark and those in the other two countries in both unadjusted and adjusted models (all P < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Among Danish children, those with the most educated and highest earning parents had least insulin resistance, whereas the opposite was true for children from Estonia and Portugal.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Anti-hypertensive drug utilization in Continental Portugal (1999-2004).

INTRODUCTION: The estimated prevalence of arterial hypertension (HT) in Portugal in 2003 was 43%, with only 28.8% of patients undergoing antihypertensive treatment having their blood pressure controlled. In the light of this fact, if HT is detected early and adequately controlled, there is great potential for reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze patterns of antihypertensive drug utilization in Portugal at the regional and national level, to compare them with other countries, and to evaluate trends in certain indicators regarding use of these drugs. METHODS: Data on antihypertensive drug utilization refer to drugs prescribed and dispensed in the ambulatory population covered by the Portuguese national health service, from January 1, 1999 to June 30, 2004. Data were expressed in defined daily doses (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID). RESULTS: Use of antihypertensives increased from 183 DID in the first half of 1999 to 256 DID in the first half of 2004, an increase of 40%. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were the most frequently prescribed drug class, being used by 31% of the study population, followed by diuretics (16%) and calcium channel blockers (14%). Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) accounted for most of the growth in antihypertensive use, although they represent the most expensive therapeutic option. This pattern of use had a strong impact on antihypertensive drug expenditure, which increased 60% over the study period. ARBs, plain or in combination formulations, accounted for 55% and 71% of the increase in utilization and expenditure respectively. DISCUSSION: From the standpoint of health gains, the significant rise in antihypertensive drug utilization represents a potentially favorable development in terms of increased numbers of patients undergoing drug treatment. Compared to other European countries, the data showed greater use of drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system in Portugal and less use of diuretics and beta-blockers. Most national and international guidelines recommend diuretics as first-line agents in HT treatment. Considering that these drugs have the lowest daily treatment cost, a high, and increasing, rate of utilization would be expected, but this is not the case in Portugal. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals not only significant differences in antihypertensive drug utilization at the regional level in Portugal but also a lack of adherence to national and international guidelines, and therefore more attention should be paid to their implementation in order to improve health gains.

Antihypertensive Agents↗
PubMed1991

Rickettsiae and rickettsioses in Portugal.

The only rickettsiae recorded in Portugal till now were Rickettsia conorii and Coxiella burnetii. Boutonneuse fever is one of the most important transmissible diseases in Portugal. Though the annual number of cases is not exactly known, it is estimated to be not far from 20,000 in some years. Q fever is the other rickettsiosis widely disseminated throughout the country. The serological prevalence and the incidence of those rickettsioses in Portugal are presented in this communication. In recent research in southern Portugal, about 4,000 adult ticks of nine species were screened by the haemocyte test for rickettsiae and rickettsia-like organisms (RLO). In addition to R. conorii three microscopically different RLO were observed. Two of them, i.e. ovoid and bacillary-like, were positive in the immunofluorescence test with spotted fever (R. conorii) antiserum. The first occurred mainly in Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks, the second one also in other tick species. The latter agent was cultivated in half-engorged R. sanguineus females and in Vero cells. The third organism was found in R. sanguineus, where it exhibited a massive infestation in haemocytes resembling that seen in experimentally infected ticks with C. burnettii, but not being this agent. The investigation of the isolates and their identification and characterization are being continued.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Lyme borreliosis in Portugal caused by Borrelia lusitaniae? Clinical report on the first patient with a positive skin isolate.

BACKGROUND: Borrelia lusitaniae was isolated from an Ixodes ricinus tick in Portugal in 1993 for the first time. Further, this borrelia genospecies has been found in ixodid ticks collected around the coasts of southern Portugal and North Africa. Its reservoir has not been defined yet. B. lusitaniae was isolated once until now from a patient with a long standing and expanding skin disorder. PATIENT AND METHODS: A 46-year-old Portuguese woman presented with a skin lesion on the left thigh which had evolved slowly over ten years. The patient reported limb paraesthesias, cramps, chronic headaches, and cardiac rhythm disturbances. History of tick bites was negative nor had the patient ever noticed a skin lesion comparable with erythema chronicum migrans. Skin biopsies were taken for histological evaluation, culture and DNA detection. Antibodies to borrelia were searched by indirect immunofluorescence assay and Western-blot. RESULTS: A bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and local synovitis was diagnosed. Dermato-histology was normal, serology was negative. Spirochaetal organisms were cultured from a skin biopsy and identified as B. lusitaniae. The patient improved after a 2-week course of intravenous ceftriaxone; the skin lesions did not expand further. CONCLUSIONS: This culture confirmed skin infection by B. lusitaniae in a patient from Portugal suggests an additional human pathogen out of the B. burgdorferi sensu lato complex in Europe, particularly in Portugal.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Poverty, social exclusion and health in Portugal.

People in Portugal have never been so healthy. Nevertheless, there are great differences in health status between social groups and regions. In 1994, Portugal was the country with the second worst level of inequality in terms of income distribution and with the highest level of poverty in the European Union (EU). Poverty in Portugal affects mainly the elderly and women (especially in single parent families). Beyond these groups, there are the children, the ethnic minorities and the homeless. Substance abusers, the unemployed, and ex-prisoners are also strongly affected by situations of social exclusion and poverty. Although poverty has been an important issue on the political agenda in Portugal, it shows a worrying tendency to resist traditional Social Security interventions. In the late 1990s, however, welfare coverage rates appear to have risen. To what extent can poverty cause a worsening of health status? Is there any sustainable positive association between welfare and improved health status? How, to whom and when should actions to improve the health status of the disadvantaged be addressed, without subverting the health status of the rest of the population. It is also necessary to reveal the consequences of poor health to individuals, families and communities in terms of income, social empowerment and the ability to fulfil other needs. Finally, reflection on the role and effectiveness of traditional social security models is necessary, in order to improve the impact and adequacy of its interventions. The goal of this paper is to contribute to the knowledge about disadvantage, the current health situation of the most vulnerable groups in Portuguese society-those affected by poverty, deprivation and social exclusion-and to detect the constraints on access to health and health care.

Adolescent↗